|
Information on Snakes | Information and Illustrations of Specific Snakes
Snakes of Massachusetts
Milk Snake
Lampropeltis triangulum (24-36", up to 52")
Adult Milk Snake
Closeup of head
A boldly patterned snake, the milk snake has a light gray to tan body
covered with reddish-brown blotches bordered in black. Larger blotches
on the back alternate with smaller ones on each side. The head is patterned,
usually with a light colored "Y" or "V" within a reddish-brown patch.
Smooth scales give this attractive snake a shiny
or glossy appearance. The belly is patterned with an irregular checkerboard
of black on white. Similarity of patterns causes some to confuse it
with the copperhead; however, the copperhead lacks any pattern on the head. Tail rattling
may also lead some to mistake it for a rattlesnake, although the two species look quite different.
Mating generally occurs in May, with females depositing 3-24 eggs in June and
July. Eggs are deposited under rocks, boards or other debris, in rotting
vegetation, stumps or logs, or small mammal burrows, and usually hatch
in August and September.
Woodlands, fields, rocky hillsides and borders of wetlands provide natural habitat
for milk snakes. They are also commonly found around houses, barns and
outbuildings. Small mammals are the preferred prey of milk snakes, who
are able to enter burrows and consume young in their nests. Milk snakes
routinely eat other snakes, and may also take birds and bird eggs, frogs,
fish, earthworms, slugs and insects. Primarily nocturnal, milk snakes
can be found during the day under rocks, logs, or other cover. Although
they are not very aggressive, milk snakes will bite and spray musk if
handled.
More Information on Milk Snake
|
